Connectionists: 2015 Summer School on Large-Scale Brain Modelling

[Peter Blouw]

Hello! [All details about this school can be found online at
http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool]


The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is
inviting applications for our 2nd annual summer school on large-scale brain
modelling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the
Nengo simulation package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural
models. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest
functional brain model, Spaun
<http://www.nengo.ca/build-a-brain/spaunvideos> [1], and provides users
with a versatile and powerful environment for simulating cognitive and
neural systems.


We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research
associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific
training in the use of modelling software is required, but we encourage
applications from active researchers with a relevant background in
psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, engineering, computer science,
or a related field.


For a look at last year's summer school, please see this short video:
http://goo.gl/BXJ3x5


[1] Eliasmith, C., Stewart T. C., Choo X., Bekolay T., DeWolf T., Tang Y.,
Rasmussen, D. (2012). A large-scale model of the functioning brain.
Science. Vol. 338 no. 6111 pp. 1202-1205. DOI: 10.1126/science.1225266. [
http://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper]


***Application Deadline: February 15, 2015***


Format


Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for projects, which
may focus on testing hypotheses, modelling neural or cognitive data,
implementing specific behavioural functions with neurons, expanding past
models, or provide a proof-of-concept of various neural mechanisms. More
generally, participants will have the opportunity to:


- build perceptual, motor, and cognitive models with spiking neurons -
model anatomical, electrophysiological, cognitive, and behavioural data
- use a variety of single cell models within a large-scale model
- integrate machine learning methods into biologically oriented models -
use Nengo with your favorite simulator, e.g. Brian, NEST, Neuron, etc.
- interface Nengo with various kinds of neuromorphic hardware
- interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern
nonlinear control methods in neural models
- and much more…


Hands-on tutorials, work on individual or group projects, and talks from
invited faculty members will make up the bulk of day-to-day activities.
There will be a weekend break on June 13-14, and fun activities scheduled
for evenings throughout. A project demonstration event will be held on the
last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects!


Date and Location: June 7th to June 19th, 2015 at the University of
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.


Applications: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool, where you can
find more information regarding costs, travel, lodging, along with an
application form listing required materials.

If you have any questions about the school or the application process,
please contact Peter Blouw (pblouw at uwaterloo.ca)

We look forward to hearing from you!
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